HCDI Invites the Greek Dual-Use Ecosystem to Participate in the European AI Challenge 2025

At a time when Europe is making decisive investments in innovation and defence, pan-European innovation initiatives are becoming more relevant and vital than ever in promoting the region’s technological sovereignty and competitiveness. 

Just weeks after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with EIT Digital, the Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation (HCDI) is supporting a new innovation initiative —the AI Challenge 2025. This is a Europe-wide initiative aimed at accelerating the deployment of advanced Artificial Intelligence solutions across industries and the public sector.

As part of the AI Challenge, HCDI invites startups, innovative teams, and research centers within the Greek ecosystem to participate specifically in the thematic area Resilience and Accessibility in Transport During Crisis Situations —and to contribute actively to the formation of a strong and interconnected European AI ecosystem.

Resilience and Accessibility in Transport During Crisis Situations

Greece’s complex geography and dispersed islands make its transport networks particularly vulnerable to crises such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or emergencies related to defense and civil protection.

To respond effectively to such situations, Greece needs innovative and resilient transport solutions. Interested entities are invited to develop dual-use solutions that are intelligent, automated, and resilient—ensuring the continuity of supply chains, mobility, safety, and accessibility during crises, while simultaneously strengthening civil protection and defense readiness. 

Suggested focus areas:

• Real-time monitoring and mapping of infrastructure using satellite and geospatial data.
• Autonomous delivery of supplies via unmanned ground vehicles (UxVs) 
• Temporary or modular transport systems (e.g., floating docks, portable bridges). 
• AI systems for coordination, optimization, and rerouting of transport operations
• Resilient and secure communication networks (satellite, mesh, hybrid RF-optical) that operate in disconnected environments
• Data protection and predictive maintenance for countering cyber threats

What you gain:

• Structured matchmaking and guided collaboration
• High visibility across the European AI ecosystem
• Cash prize of €10,000 to further develop your solution and/or support a Proof of Concept with the challenger company
• Access to the exclusive AI Founders Club – a curated portfolio of support services offered by the EIT AI Community.

Eligibility:

• Companies operating in Greece (with a Greek VAT number), or willing to establish operations in Greece with a Greek VAT number.

Submissions:

•  Proposals must be submitted in Greek and English.
• Application deadline: October 29, 2025
• Submit your application here: https://ai.eitcommunity.eu/ai-challenge-2025-solution-hand-in

More information here: https://ai.eitcommunity.eu/ai-challenge-2025